MUNGAI Wairia, Office Maintenance provider at Qubic, will also be taking part in the Great North Run this year, as part of ‘Team Qubic’. Mungai has been providing office maintenance services to Qubic’s Newcastle office for 11 years, with his sister-in-law, Caroline Wairia, providing the same services to Qubic’s London office.
Mungai is an established runner, having taken part in 39 half marathons previously. This will be the 13th time he has taken part in The Great North Run. He is also among the few Newcastle Park runners who have completed 300 Park Runs.
Mungai commented, "I am looking forward to taking part in the Great North Run again, and I am pleased to be representing Qubic. The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation is a great charity and I am delighted to running for such a fantastic cause."
Not only is Mungai running for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation here in Newcastle, but later in the year he is taking on the New York Marathon for the first time and will once again be raising funds for them!
Have you run a half marathon before?
Yes, so far this year I’ve run 4!
What made you want to take part in the Great North Run?
My brother took part in 2005 and then asked me to sign up in 2006 so that we could run together. I did it, but he withdrew due to injury. I finished in 1:59:59 - my slowest time to date! The atmosphere and the feeling of acomplishment that I had at the age of 51 pushed me to do more.
What motivates you to train?
Joining a running club and seeing older members train made me realise that age is not a barrier. I just need to listen to my body and push at a comfortable pace.
How is training going to date?
So far so good, I have a minimum of 30 miles per week planned.
What is your expected finish time?
I will be happy to finish in under 1hr 40 minutes.
What made you want to run for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation?
It’s a great cause based in my adopted home of Newcastle.